Will dog lovers meet challenge?

Will members of Monroe County's lively dog-loving community put their money and energy where their mouths are?

Will members of Monroe County's lively dog-loving community put their money and energy where their mouths are?

A proposed dog park in Smithfield Township gives them the opportunity to show the level of their commitment.

The Eastern Monroe Regional Park Commission would like to build the county's first dog park at Rivers Edge Regional Park, creating a 150-foot by 250-foot enclosure with separate sections for large and small dogs. But the commission needs both volunteers and money to carry out the project, which will cost about $17,000. The park commission has budgeted $5,000 and Smithfield Township is applying for a $5,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources toward the project.

The dog park is part of a larger plan for Rivers Edge, property that Smithfield and Middle Smithfield townships bought also to develop ball fields, a Frisbee golf course, picnic area and walking trails. The tract lies along River Road just across the Brodhead Creek from Minisink Park and near the Welcome Center at the Delaware Water Gap interchange with Interstate 80.

Pocono Record readers have proven themselves to be vocal supporters of humane treatment of animals. Letter writers and on-line commenters come out in droves in response to published reports of animal abuse. The proposed dog park offers dog lovers in particular a chance to be involved in a worthwhile community project.

Dogs are lively, physical creatures that love to run. But left unsupervised, they can create a nuisance and even be dangerous. For those reasons nearly all municipalities have leash laws requiring dogs to be under control at all times. A dog park provides energetic canines that don't have running room on their own property a safe place to get off the leash and run, play and meet and socialize with other dogs.

Monroe County issued more than 18,000 dog licenses in 2006, testament to the area's love of the animals. Yet only six residents turned out last week for a meeting on the dog park plan.

Dog owners in eastern Monroe County have a chance through this project to create a facility that will benefit the canine community. Anyone who wants to be part of the effort should e-mail commission member Joyce Bush at nutrol1@localnet.com or leave a message for her at Smithfield Township (570) 421-6931 or Middle Smithfield Township (570) 223-8920.

Taking good care of dogs involves more than complaining about abuse. In this case it will mean planning, raising money, helping to build and maintain a dog park.

The success of this effort will serve as a reflection of the level of interest in dog welfare in the area.

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